Does platelet-rich fibrin have a role in osseointegration of immediate implants? A randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial

Immediate implants are a valuable treatment option to replace natural teeth in the aesthetic region. The hypothesis of this randomized controlled clinical trial was that immediate implants grafted with autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have better clinical and radiographic outcomes than non-grafted controls. Forty-one implants were placed in 31 subjects with one or more non-restorable single-rooted teeth. Autologous PRF was placed in the peri-implant region of the study group (n = 21) and no augmentation was done in the control group (n = 20). A staged protocol was followed for implant restoration. The patients received a definitive restoration after 3 months and were followed up for a period of 1 year. The statistical analysis included 39 implants sites in 29 subjects. A significant increase in implant stability was noted in both groups over the 3-month period (implant stability quotient: study group 56.58 ± 18.81 to 71.32 ± 7.82; control group 60.61 ± 11.49 to 70.06 ± 8.96; P = 0.01). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of implant stability. The hypothesis was thus rejected, as there was no significant effect of PRF on immediate implants with adequate primary stability.